Sumaya Osman

What I See, 2022

This series focuses on what it means to be Muslim and how it is portrayed in society. This work was influenced by the lived experiences of Muslim women who wear a hijab, such as myself.  By wearing a hijab, it visibly demonstrates to society that I am Muslim. In relation to this, this work explores the theme of surveillance by demonstrating what it’s like to be seen and occupying spaces as a Muslim woman wearing a hijab. It also explores the theme of empowerment by using colour in a meaningful way to have the hijab as the focal point in each image, therefore making a statement for itself. 

Sumaya Osman is an emerging photographer based in Toronto, Ontario. Identifying as a Black/Muslim woman, Sumaya explores issues surrounding her intersecting identities in terms of how they shape who she is, and how she lives her everyday life. She also explores her creativity by being experimental with her work and striving to express herself in different ways through her visual stories. She is primarily interested in shooting portraiture and documentary-style images.

Contact the artist directly for information on purchasing.

Contact: sosmanart@gmail.com
Website: sumayaosman.com

May 6th to May 28th, 2023
Artscape Youngplace, 180 Shaw St, Toronto
Hallway Galleries, 2nd and 3rd floors

Artist Talk and Tour
Saturday, May 13th, 2023
11am & 1pm